Black Sheep

It is almost impossible to believe that The Black Sheep Brewery was 20 years old in 2012. Since first making an appearance in pubs in and around the Yorkshire Dales in October 1992 our beers have gone from strength to strength.

As our Chairman Paul Theakston says, “We are rightly proud of our award-winning range of bottled and cask ales and only brew our beers from traditional high-quality raw materials: crystal clear dales water from our own well, Maris Otter malted barley for extra flavour, a little roasted malt for colour and flavour, and generous amounts of whole English hops to make the beer really refreshing. Such a material bill is more expensive than the average, but we think it’s well worth the extra!”

Black Sheep beers are now distributed not only across the UK but around the world, brewing over 20 million pints a year. The delivery of those first casks of beer in 1992 began a new era for Paul, whose family has brewed in Masham for six generations. Following Paul’s departure from the old family firm, T&R Theakston, fate played a kind hand and he was able to purchase an old maltings building in the heart of Masham. Here was an opportunity to return to what his family had done best since the 19th Century - making real beer in the time-honoured fashion. And so a new brewery was born!

Sheep have always figured largely in the history of Masham, so when a name was needed for the new Brewery Paul's wife, Sue, came up with ‘Black Sheep’. A fitting name on all fronts, given Paul’s maverick new start up! From the outset, giving visitors the opportunity to see the beers being brewed and to sample the ales at the brewery was always a high priority, and in May 1996 the doors were opened to the newly transformed Visitor Centre - now a major year-round attraction in the Yorkshire Dales. The sixth generation of the Theakston family brewing heritage is also proudly part of Black Sheep, with Paul’s eldest son Rob taking over in 2012 as Managing Director, and second son Jo as Marketing and Off-Trade Sales Director.

Visitors Centre

From the outset, giving visitors the opportunity to see the beers being brewed and to sample the ales at the brewery was always a high priority, and in May 1996 the doors were opened to the newly transformed Visitor Centre - now a major year-round attraction in the Yorkshire Dales.

The Black Sheep Brewery Visitor Centre is the ideal place for an interesting and alternative day out in the Yorkshire Dales. Open all year round, regular ‘shepherded’ day and evening tours of the Brewery allow guests to experience the traditional brewing processes through to the end product - a sample of the award-winning ales in the Baa…r.

The Bistro also provides locally-sourced culinary delights for lunches and evening meals. Whether you fancy a quick snack, a leisurely lunch, or a full dinner, step into our warm, welcoming bistro and bar and enjoy a dining experience that’s truly “ewe-nique”. We really take advantage of the fresh, local produce and meat that’s available on our doorstep.

The Sheepy Shop has ‘ewe-nique’ delights for every member of the family including a superb range of hampers, which can be made to individual specifications to ensure a true ‘Taste of Yorkshire’.

For opening times and info please contact the Visitor Centre on 01765 608101 or email sue.dempsey@blacksheep.co.uk

Alternatively, you can find more information on out website, www.blacksheepbrewery.co.uk